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Lottery officials warn NC residents about scratch-off ticket scam

The North Carolina Education Lottery issued a warning Thursday about a scam involving scratch-off tickets.

Posted Updated
NC Education Lottery
By
Janine Bowen
, WRAL.com editor
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Education Lottery issued a warning Thursday about a scam involving scratch-off tickets.

Lottery officials said someone is altering scratch-offs so they look like winning tickets and then selling them at a discount to other people.

Those selling the fake tickets often provide a false story as to why they are unable to claim the prize themselves, lottery officials said.

Buyers learn about the scam when they attempt to cash the “winning” ticket.

Lottery officials said there have been four reported cases of the scam so far.

Lottery officials said players should never pay anyone for a winning ticket and should not believe someone who claims they can’t claim a prize because they live out of state or are not a United States citizen. Lottery rules state residents of other states and countries can claim North Carolina Education Lottery prizes as long as they have valid identification.

Officials said people involved in lottery scams can face criminal charges.

Anybody with security questions about North Carolina Education Lottery games can call 888-732-6235.

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